Trees are frequently low-maintenance facets of our lives that provide beauty, shade, and bird habitat. But occasionally, nature throws a fit when a storm comes through, or when a quiet vulnerability finally gives in. In those times, a tree can shift from being an asset to a potential threat.
To know the difference between a tree that requires a scheduled trim and one that is a time bomb waiting to go off is a skill that every homeowner needs to acquire. It is about keeping your home safe and your mind sane. So, how do you know when the situation won’t wait? This article gives a homeowner’s guide on when to call for 24/7 tree emergency services.
Emergency Situations to Call Right Away
A Tree Has Fallen Onto Your House or Vehicle
Do You Have A Tree Emergency? Call Now!
A large branch or tree that fell on your roof, broke a window or damaged your car is considered an emergency. It can cause serious damage to your property, create a gap through which water pours freely, and be an electrocution hazard if it brought power lines down. In such situations, you shouldn’t even attempt to move it yourself.
A Dangerously Leaning Tree After a Storm
A tree that was standing but is now leaning and threatening to fall, especially if its roots are exposed above the ground, is one hundred percent guaranteed to fall. Not an “if it may” situation. It will likely collapse completely, and in which direction, nobody knows. This is an easy threat that needs expert stabilization or removal as fast as possible.
Limbs are Broken, Hanging & Swinging Dangerously
Also called “widow makers,” they are large branches that broke but didn’t fall. They tend to hang in the canopy with a string of wood fiber holding them up. They could drop to the ground at any time when strong wind blows or perhaps due to their own weight. Consider it an active threat if either of these branches is hanging on a section with high foot traffic.
A Tree is Obstructing the Highway or has Struck Power Cables
There is an emergency if a tree has fallen in your driveway and you are unable to leave. More importantly, avoid trees and branches that are over electricity wires. Picture all wires on the ground as live and dangerous. Call your electric utility to turn off power immediately, then call a tree removal service to have it removed safely.
The Less Obvious Signs – Hidden Dangers
An Unexpected and Noticeable Lean
While the other trees lean but a little, any sudden lean is an unmistakable sign. If you see a tree that was standing straight yesterday leaning today, then the earth near the root base of the tree has already succumbed. This is a huge risk.
The Crack of Splitting Wood
A tree that cracks or creaks after extreme weather should be taken seriously. It gives warning signs that the tree’s structure is yielding and can cause a major disaster at any time. It may well not be doing it yet, but the sounds you hear are letting you know it will.
Visible Cracks or Splices in The Trunk or Large Branches
Long cracks along the trunk or large branches are the same as a break in a bone. They result in severe weakening of the tree. If one of these cracks occurs in a portion of the tree that hangs over your home or a heavily used portion of your yard, it is an emergency.
What to Do While Waiting for Help
When you call the number after you notice an emergency, your responsibility is to ensure the safety of everyone. Create a wider safety circle around the tree with warnings to prevent anyone from getting into the danger zone. Under no circumstances should you approach a tree rubbing on power lines. Also, never attempt a do-it-yourself fix, as it is a risky endeavor. The energy released in a failing tree is dangerous and uncontained. Chainsaw trimming with limited equipment and experience on an already weakened tree is extremely risky.
When your home’s stability is at stake, you require a service that provides you with freedom from fear. You need a professional team you can count on to master the pandemonium and bring back your safety. For that amount of reliable, all-day care, call on the professionals at Fly with Freedom. We are here for you when you need us most. We can turn that tree crisis into a serene, safe home.
